- 'Flooding is our number one natural disaster' | Breaking down the voter-approved Harris County Flood Control District tax rate hike
- Powerful Category 3 Hurricane Rafael knocks out power in Cuba as it heads to the island
- NC Forest Service warns of increased wildfire risk in western part of state after Helene
- First responders searched for hours after being told two people were swept away in flash flood
- First responders searching for two people caught in flash flood
Entire Charlotte area under Flood Watch as heavy rain continues across Carolinas
The entire Charlotte metro area is under a flood watch until Thursday with some areas expecting nearly a foot of rain this week.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is a high risk of flash flooding across the western North Carolina mountains, foothills, and into parts of the Piedmont, because of an extended period of rain this week.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says it’s going to be a very wet week with rain in the forecast for the Charlotte area the next seven days.
“We could see some serious rainfall,” Panovich said.
Tropical Storm Arthur is moving in the Atlantic off the Carolina coast and Panovich says it won’t have much of an impact on Charlotte’s weather. The biggest threat here is heavy rain from a stalled system that will produce days of heavy rain showers and storms. It’s not going to be a total washout every day the next seven days, but scattered showers and storms will bring heavy rain.
There is also a small chance a thunderstorm becomes strong-to-severe.
“I’m not really overly concerned with severe weather. I’m concerned with flooding,” Panovich said.
Rain will move in late Monday, but Panovich said Tuesday is when we’ll start to see issues from the rain.
The Charlotte area is in a medium threat for flash flooding on Tuesday with a higher risk in the mountains.
“The next three days, especially in the western Carolinas, flash flooding will be a huge deal,” Panovich said. “The next couple of days will be extremely, extremely wet.”
When looking at rainfall totals expected through Friday afternoon Panovich said Charlotte will see 4-5 inches of rain. Higher elevation locations could see higher amounts: 5-6 inches in Hickory, 7-8 inches in Boone.
“It could vary. It depends on where the band sets up,” Panovich explained.
The mountains could see anywhere from 6-9 inches of rain.
“Any slope that faces southeast is going to get hit straight on,” Panovich said.
In the event of flooding, the National Weather Service would issue flood bulletins. The most severe conditions would warrant a Flash Flood Warning.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when sudden, onset flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area, you would be advised to move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop.
It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flooding can occur downstream or at lower elevations from where rainfall is occurring.
Be notified of Flash Flood Warnings in your area: Download the WCNC news or weather app to receive severe weather notifications for your location.
More news: